So much of who we are and what our lives are like is an accident of birth. We just happened to arrive on this earth at a certain time period and in a certain geographical location and in a certain cultural context. We had no choice over these things which have so much influence over our lives. They are determining factors and yet we have no control over them.
Maybe you have thought about how fortunate you are to have been born into the circumstances in which you live. Perhaps you appreciate that you have certain advantages that simply accrue to chance. Of course, there is what we make of the opportunities we are given, but still, there is much that may simply comes our way unsolicited for which we can be grateful.
In thinking about our context, maybe we feel fortunate that we were not born in the Central African Republic, or Syria, or North Korea, or countless other places where we may think life is more difficult and more dangerous. There are so many places in this world where it is hard to obtain food and shelter. And where violence and upheaval threaten day to day safety and security. There are many people who live in circumstances not only without access to what is needed for daily subsistence but also without access to healthcare, education, and the arts.
Before we feel sorry for others, let’s look at it from another angle. Someone living in more simple circumstances may see advantages to that life. They may look at our lifestyle and think it takes so much money to live in our context. You must have to be a slave to making money. It’s so difficult to maintain all those possessions. How do they have time for fun with family and friends, for church, for enjoying an evening by the fire? They must have to work all the time. And with all those cars and devices and energy needs they create so much garbage and environmental devastation. And there seem to be so many killings and shootings, how could you feel safe living like that? It’s such a complicated, difficult and stressful life! There are those in what we might consider disadvantaged circumstances who feel sorry for us and would not want to change places for “all the tea in China.”
Whatever our circumstances, where ever we are, whatever our context, our faith leads and guides us to live in a way that serves the common good, helping others, and contributing to the wellbeing of the community. We need not waste time feeling sorry for others and bemoaning our circumstances. We can see our context as an opportunity, given to us by God, to care for the world and for creation. Let us look for our calling, for how we are needed right here and now, where ever that may be, to share the love of God in the world.
Prayer: We are thankful for our lives and for all has been given to us. May we see our lives as a sacred trust given to us to be used for the good of the world. Instead of pitying ourselves or our circumstances, instead of envying others, instead of feeling sorry for others, may we embrace our situation and do all that we can to show forth the love of God. May we “bloom where we are planted.” Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 